UT Names Dean of Graduate Studies

Published: February 15, 2006

Longtime UT faculty member Dr.
William L. Rhey has been named dean of UT's rapidly growing School of
Graduate Studies, University President Ron Vaughn announced today.

"As
our graduate programs have expanded, it has become necessary to add a
dean-level position to manage them," said Vaughn, adding that the new
position is part of an overall academic reorganization now underway at
the 75-year-old University.

In the last 12 months, the
University has authorized five new graduate programs. They include a
Master of Arts in Teaching (announced last week), a Saturday MBA, and
master’s programs in accounting, finance and marketing. A technology
and innovation management degree was added within the last two years.

"Advanced
education enhances the quality of life in a metropolitan area like
ours," said Rhey. "We will continue to serve the Tampa Bay region with
advancements in quality graduate education."

He said that
additional research will be conducted with Bay Area community members
to see what other disciplines should be considered by UT for master’s
programs.

Rhey's appointment follows a national search,
concluded in February. He has been a member of the UT faculty since
1987, except for a stint as dean of the Davis College of Business at
Jacksonville University (2002-04) and a two-year leave of absence to
serve as director of cross-cultural research for the Masland Trust
(1995-97). He created UT's Center for Ethics in 1989, served as
associate dean of the John H. Sykes College of Business, and most
recently was associate dean and director of graduate programs.

Rhey
received a BS degree from Bucknell University in 1972, an MBA from
Baylor University in 1973, and a Ph.D. from the University of
Mississippi in 1986.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Information at publicinfo@ut.edu or (813) 253-6232.